Seat ordering system

Abstract

An example of a seat ordering system that allows users to change only specific parts of a cushion to their preferred cushion is disclosed. [Solution] The seat order system 10, which is applied to a vehicle seat in which multiple cushion portions are detachably attached to the seat frame, comprises an order receiving unit 11A, a lending processing unit 11B, a design information determination unit 12A, and a shipping processing unit 11C. With this, the seat order system 10 makes it possible to change, for example, only one of the cushion portions, or all of the cushion portions, from the cushion portion in the center in the width direction, the cushion portion at one end in the width direction, and the cushion portion at the other end in the width direction, to a preferred cushion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat order system for vehicle seats.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a seat order system for vehicle seats.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The seat order system described in Patent Document 1 is an order system for a vehicle seat including a seat back and a seat cushion in which a cushion portion at the center in the width direction, a cushion portion at one end in the width direction, and a cushion portion at the other end in the width direction are integrated.

[0005] Therefore, for example, it is not possible to change only the cushion portion at the center in the width direction to a preferred cushion. The present disclosure discloses an example of a seat order system in view of the above points.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A seat order system applied to a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle, in which each of a plurality of cushion portions is detachably attached to a seat frame, preferably includes at least one of, for example, an order reception unit (11A), a lending processing unit (11B), a design information determination unit (12A), and a shipping processing unit (11C).

[0007] The order receiving unit (11A) accepts orders for the divided cushion (DC) based on user input. Note that the divided cushion (DC) refers to each of the multiple cushion sections.

[0008] The loan processing unit (11B) performs processing to loan a measuring segment cushion (SC) corresponding to the order received by the order receiving unit (11A). The measuring segment cushion (SC) has a sensor (S) embedded in it for acquiring the information necessary to fulfill the order.

[0009] The design information determination unit (12A) uses the information acquired by the sensor (S) to determine the design information necessary to manufacture the segmented cushion corresponding to the order. The shipping processing unit (11C) executes processing for shipping the segmented cushions (DC) manufactured based on the design information determined by the design information determination unit (12A).

[0010] This makes it possible to change only one or all of the cushion portions—for example, the cushion portion in the center in the width direction, the cushion portion at one end in the width direction, and the cushion portion at the other end in the width direction—to a preferred cushion.

[0011] The sheet ordering system may also have the following configuration, for example. In other words, it is desirable to have a rendering unit (12B) that uses the design information determined by the design information determination unit (12A) to perform the processing necessary to create a rendering of the completed division cushion based on the order.

[0012] It is desirable to include a rendering viewing processing unit (12C) that performs processing to enable the user to view the rendering of the completed building. It is desirable that the shipping processing unit (11C) also be able to perform processing to make the shipping schedule of the divided cushions (DC) manufactured based on the design information available to the user.

[0013] Furthermore, the measurement segment cushion (SC) is a cushion for at least one of the following parts of the vehicle seat: the cushion in the center in the width direction, the cushion on one end of the vehicle seat in the width direction, and the cushion on the other end of the vehicle seat in the width direction. In addition, the design information determination unit (12A) determines the design information after the sensor (S) has acquired information for a predetermined period of time.

[0014] Incidentally, the symbols in each of the parentheses above are just examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations etc. described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations etc. indicated by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a divided cushion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing a sheet ordering system according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The following "Embodiments of the Invention" are examples of embodiments that fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. In other words, the features defining the invention as described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations and structures shown in the embodiments below.

[0017] This embodiment is an example in which the seat ordering system according to this disclosure is applied to a seat installed in a vehicle or other vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle seat). In the vehicle seat according to this embodiment, each of the multiple cushion portions is detachably attached to the seat frame.

[0018] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the cushion of the seat back 1 is detachably attached to the seat frame, with a cushion portion 1A in the center in the width direction (also called the top plate portion), a cushion portion 1B at one end in the width direction, and a cushion portion 1C at the other end in the width direction.

[0019] Similarly, the cushions of the seat cushion 2 are also detachably attached to the seat frame, with the cushion portion 2A at the center in the width direction (also referred to as the top plate portion), the cushion portion 2B at one end in the width direction, and the cushion portion 2C at the other end in the width direction. Hereinafter, any one of the cushion portions at multiple locations is referred to as a split cushion DC.

[0020] (First Embodiment) <1. Overview of the Seat Order System> When there is an order for a split cushion DC from a user, the order system according to this embodiment first lends a measurement split cushion SC to the user. The user who has received the loan of the measurement split cushion SC removes the current split cushion DC by themselves or by entrusting a professional and attaches the measurement split cushion SC to the seat frame.

[0021] The measurement split cushion SC is a split cushion corresponding to the order and is a split cushion in which a sensor S for acquiring information necessary to realize the order content is embedded. The sensor S is, for example, the same as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-178179.

[0022] Specifically, the sensor S is configured to include a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. The pressure sensor detects the pressure generated in the measurement split cushion SC when the user sits on the vehicle seat.

[0023] The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the vehicle seat when the pressure sensor detects the pressure. Then, the information detected by the sensor S, that is, the pressure information and the acceleration information, is transmitted to the design information determination unit 12A (see FIG. 2).

[0024] Although one sensor S is shown in FIG. 1 for the measurement split cushion SC, this is merely an example of the sensor S. One or more sensors S are arranged in the measurement split cushion SC to an extent that can realize the order content.

[0025] The measurement segment cushion SC incorporates a sensor S, a wireless communication device WD (see Figure 2), and a battery (not shown) that supplies power to them. The information detected by the sensor S (referred to as sensor information) is transmitted wirelessly to the design information determination unit 12A. The sensor information is transmitted sequentially or at predetermined intervals.

[0026] The measurement segment cushion SC is loaned to the user for approximately four weeks. In other words, the measurement segment cushion SC transmits sensor information for approximately four weeks to the design information determination unit 12A. After the loan period ends, the sensor information collected during the loan period is used to manufacture a segment cushion corresponding to that order (hereinafter referred to as the order cushion).

[0027] Once the custom-made cushion is completed, it is sent to the user. The user then removes the measurement segment cushion SC themselves or by having a specialist do it, attaches the custom-made cushion to the seat frame, and returns the removed measurement segment cushion SC.

[0028] <2. Details of the Sheet Ordering System> The sheet order system 10 according to this embodiment includes, as shown in Figure 2, at least a sheet order management device 11 and a design and manufacturing device 12. The sheet order management device 11 and the design and manufacturing device 12 can send and receive information from each other via a communication line such as a wired communication line.

[0029] The sheet order management device 11 includes at least an order receiving unit 11A, a lending processing unit 11B, a shipping processing unit 11C, and a communication unit 11D. The design and manufacturing device 12 includes at least a design information determination unit 12A, a prediction drawing creation unit 12B, a prediction drawing viewing and processing unit 12C, and a manufacturing device 12D.

[0030] The sheet order management device 11, the design information determination unit 12A, the predicted drawing creation unit 12B, and the predicted drawing viewing and processing unit 12C are composed of a computer system having a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and software to realize the following functions.

[0031] The order receiving unit 11A accepts orders for the divided cushion DC based on user operations. In this embodiment, the user can place an order with the order receiving unit 11A by operating a portable terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0032] In other words, users can place orders with the order receiving unit 11A by installing a seat ordering system application on their portable terminal device. At this time, users can specify the seat type, as well as the type and color of the upholstery, etc. The seat type refers to categories such as basic (standard) or sports type.

[0033] The lending processing unit 11B executes a process to lend a measuring divided cushion SC corresponding to the order received by the order receiving unit 11A. This process involves, for example, determining the specifications of the measuring divided cushion SC to fulfill the order received by the order receiving unit 11A, and then shipping the measuring divided cushion SC to the user.

[0034] The design information determination unit 12A uses the information acquired by the sensor S to determine the design information necessary to manufacture the segmented cushion corresponding to the order. Specifically, the design information determination unit 12A acquires sensor information via the communication unit 11D.

[0035] Then, when the predetermined loan period has elapsed, the design information determination unit 12A determines the design information using the sensor information obtained during the loan period. The design information determination unit 12A may be configured in either a fully automated determination process or a configuration in which a human is involved in some of the processes.

[0036] "Design information necessary to manufacture a segmented cushion according to an order" refers to the specific values ​​of the design parameters necessary to manufacture the ordered cushion. Once the design information is determined, the design information determination unit 12A transmits this design information to the manufacturing machine 12D.

[0037] The manufacturing machine 12D actually manufactures the ordered cushions based on the design information. The manufacturing machine 12D includes not only fully automated manufacturing equipment but also manufacturing equipment in which humans are involved in some of the manufacturing processes.

[0038] The shipping processing unit 11C executes the process for shipping the ordered cushion. Specifically, the shipping processing unit 11C notifies the user that the ordered cushion is ready, and also notifies the user of the shipping date and estimated arrival date of the ordered cushion.

[0039] In addition, the shipping processing unit 11C will also notify the user of the method and deadline for returning the measurement split cushion SC that has been lent to them, along with the above notification. The rendering unit 12B uses the design information determined by the design information determination unit 12A to perform the necessary processing to create a rendering of the completed divided cushion based on the order. In this embodiment, the data of the rendering is also used as data for manufacturing the ordered cushion.

[0040] The rendering viewing unit 12C performs processing to enable the user to view the rendering. Specifically, the rendering viewing unit 12C stores the rendering data on a server accessible to the user and notifies the user that it has become available for viewing.

[0041] <3. Features of the Sheet Ordering System According to This Embodiment> In the seat ordering system 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to change only one of the cushion portions, or all of the cushion portions, from the cushion portion in the center in the width direction, the cushion portion at one end in the width direction, and the cushion portion at the other end in the width direction, to a preferred cushion.

[0042] Ultimately, even for vehicle seats already on the market, it may be possible to optimize products and services to suit individual interests, preferences, and behaviors. Furthermore, it is desirable that the costs incurred by seat orders be paid electronically.

[0043] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration was designed so that the user could attach and detach the split cushion DC and the measuring split cushion SC to the seat frame themselves while watching a video of the split cushion DC being attached and detached via a portable terminal device.

[0044] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may, for example, be configured to allow the split cushion DC and the measuring split cushion SC to be attached to and detached from the seat frame at a vehicle repair shop or vehicle dealership.

[0045] In the embodiments described above, orders were accepted via a portable terminal device owned by the user. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also involve, for example, a configuration in which an ordering terminal device is placed in a vehicle repair shop or vehicle dealer, and orders are accepted via that terminal device.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, sensor information was transmitted via a wireless communication device WD built into the measuring segment cushion SC. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a configuration in which a storage device capable of storing sensor information is built into the measuring segment cushion SC.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor information acquired during the loan period may be stored in the storage device, and after the loan period ends, the sensor information stored in the storage device may be retrieved and transmitted in a batch to the design information determination unit 12A. This batch transmission may be via wireless communication, wired communication, or by sending the storage device itself to the sheet order management device 11.

[0048] In the embodiments described above, a loan period of approximately four weeks was adopted. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure may, for example, adopt a loan period of approximately two weeks.

[0049] The vehicle seat according to the above embodiment was a seat in which the cushion could be divided into three sections in the seat width direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure can also be applied to a seat in which the cushion could be divided into five sections in the seat width direction, for example.

[0050] The rendering viewing unit 12C according to the above embodiment performed a process that allowed the user to view the rendering. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a function to accept a new order requesting a change in order details when the user views the rendering.

[0051] In the embodiments described above, the vehicle seat according to this disclosure was applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure can be applied, for example, to seats used in vehicles such as railway cars, ships and aircraft, as well as to stationary seats used in theaters, homes, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is sufficient to be consistent with the intent of the disclosures described in the embodiments described above. Therefore, it may be a configuration in which at least two of the embodiments described above are combined, or a configuration in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above are omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10… Sheet Ordering System 11… Sheet order management device 11A… Order Reception Department 11B… Loan Processing Department 11C… Shipping Processing 12A… Design information determination section 12…Design / manufacturing equipment 12B… Projection Chart Creation Department 12C… Prediction Chart Viewing and Processing Department 12D… Manufacturing machine SC... Divided cushion for measurement S... Sensor WD... Wireless communication equipment

Claims

1. In a seat ordering system applicable to a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle, in which each of the multiple cushion parts is detachably attached to the seat frame, When each of the aforementioned multiple cushion sections is made into a segmented cushion, an order receiving unit accepts orders for the segmented cushions based on user operations, A lending processing unit that performs processing to lend a measuring segment cushion corresponding to an order received by the order receiving unit, the measuring segment cushion having a sensor embedded in it for acquiring information necessary to fulfill the order, A design information determination unit that uses the information acquired by the aforementioned sensor to determine the design information necessary to manufacture a segmented cushion corresponding to the order, A shipping processing unit that executes a process for shipping the divided cushion manufactured based on the design information determined by the design information determination unit. A seat ordering system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The sheet order system according to claim 1, further comprising a rendering unit that uses the design information determined by the design information determination unit to perform the processing necessary to create a rendering of the completed rendering of the divided cushion based on the order.

3. The sheet order system according to claim 2, further comprising a rendering viewing processing unit that performs processing to enable the user to view the rendering.

4. The sheet order system according to claim 1, wherein the shipping processing unit is also capable of performing processing to enable the user to view the shipping schedule of the divided cushions manufactured based on the design information.

5. The aforementioned measuring segmented cushion is a cushion for at least one of the following portions of the vehicle seat: the cushion portion in the center in the width direction, the cushion portion at one end of the vehicle seat in the width direction, and the cushion portion at the other end of the vehicle seat in the width direction. Furthermore, the sheet ordering system according to claim 1, wherein the design information determination unit determines the design information after the sensor has acquired information for a predetermined period of time.

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